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The argument between Waseem and Aasia that happened weeks earlier soon fell away, and was forgotten as everyone returned to campus. And alongside the return of lectures was the return of the everyday banter the duo enjoyed.

“Can I have both those drinks to go? Thanks.” Waseem smiled as the barista handed him the two piping hot drinks. Though on the outside he looked calm, cool and collected, on the inside he was all racing nerves and stress.

The trip to the valley of a thousand hills had not only affected Aasia, it had affected Waseem too. His outlook on life was different; he no longer took his parents for granted after truly understanding the relationship Aasia had with hers. He made an effort to repair the damage he had made during his teenage years

It was 2am. Waseem was busy scouring the internet looking at accomodation, schools and transport in Canada. It was 2am and he had an early morning with Hasana, but that didn’t deter him. Once he started researching, he couldn’t stop.

“But that puzzle piece doesn’t fit. Lets try another one.” Amaan said as he reached over for a small piece of colourful cardboard. “There we go! See, this piece fits properly.”

Hasana studied the half-made puzzle and squinted. She couldn’t quite figure out what they were making and Uncle Amaan had hid the box from her. “Can I at least get a hint, please?” She asked, flashing him a smile.

When Aasia and Waseem graduated, they had a plan. A well though out career plan, filled with objectives and deadlines and goals. Waseem would use his visual arts degree and Aasia would use her journalism degree to start up their very own media company. Of course, even they knew they had to gain experience elsewhere before attempting to create their own company. And so that is exactly what they did the moment they graduated.

Losing something is hard. Losing something you love is harder. But losing a spouse comes with a loss that is immeasurable. It comes with a void like no other. When the person you love suddenly departs from this world, you find yourself floundering, sinking to the depths of your sadness. You find your self chasing sleep, avoiding emotions and crying till you feel like there is nothing left inside of you to pour out.

If any student at Howard College between the years 2003 and 2007 was asked a question about a guy named Waseem Ahmed, they almost always would not be able to answer without mentioning Aasia Sami. That is how inseparable the pair were. Where Aasia went, Waseem followed and it worked the other way around too.

Waseem pulled open his top drawer and slid his finger across the row of ties he owned, but never wore. He hated ties. He felt suffocated and stiff wearing them. There were only three occasions in his life when he wore a tie: graduations, weddings and visits to his in-laws’ house.